Area endocrinologists in demand
In 1980, Windsor-Essex greeted its first endocrinologist, a much needed specialty for the growing region. By 1990, the number of endocrinologists had grown to four — each of these original physicians is still in practice here today. Since then, the group has welcomed three more endocrinologists, all of whom see an average of 200 patients each, per week. The local endocrinologists are Drs. Arthur Kidd, Raphael Cheung, Joseph Shaban, Robert Wilson, Ibrahim Treki, Rabih Nour, and Tyceer AbouHassan. Each physician is well revered and respected in their field and has served thousands of Windsor Essex residents over their years of service.
What exactly is an endocrinologist? Endocrinologists are physicians who have received their postgraduate training in internal medicine and its subspecialty of endocrinology and metabolism. While endocrinologists regularly see patients who experience a variety of problems in regards to hormones and metabolism, approximately half of their patient visits are for diabetes and diabetes related problems.
The endocrinology team in Windsor Essex is a shining light throughout the province. “A group in Toronto indicated in their last publication that Windsor has the best endo care in the province,” says Dr. Joseph Shaban, chief of medicine at Windsor Regional Hospital and head of the endocrinology program. “That speaks to how much work we’ve put into this program.”
Since 1980, Windsor hospitals have had the good fortune of having coverage by an endocrinologist, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These dedicated physicians provide scheduled consultations as well as care for urgent situations. It’s also been common practice for the endocrinologists to help in the care of over 40 hospitalized individuals at any given time, and it is this service that prompted a scientific review of diabetes care in Ontario in 2001. This study revealed that Windsor Essex diabetes patients had more visits annually with an endocrinologist than patients from any other county in Ontario — including those counties with medical schools.
When Dr. Shaban chose to practice in Windsor, he identified a major need in this area for endocrinologists. “Today, we don’t see as many complications,” he says proudly. “We used to see kids in their twenties dying of heart attacks and complications.” Thanks to the thorough care of the endocrinology team — including nurses, pharmacists and diabetes educators — individuals with diabetes can rely on unparalleled, dedicated care.
“The continuum of care is vastly important,” says Dr. Ibrahim Treki. “That means we work with the family physicians and specialists as a team, so you not only see your patients, but your colleagues see them as well. It is valuable for the patient to know that we all work together, that we are all involved. We all collaborate.
“Windsor has the highest endo/ patient interaction,” continues. Dr. Treki. “We see patients frequently, whereas other areas might see their doctors interacting with their patients only every six months or so. From that perspective, we’ve been providing the highest level of care.”
Lynda Monik, CEO of the Windsor Essex Community Health Centre, praises the team for their efforts. She stresses the impressive workload that the team undertakes. “On an average day, an endocrinologist could be caring for over 40 patients between the two hospitals alone,” she explains. “There is expected to be a growing number of people with diabetes in the next few years, especially in this area, as Windsor Essex has a high incidence of diabetes and factors that contribute to the incidence of diabetes.
“So locally, Windsor Essex is fortunate to have the services of this team of Endocrinologists who work collaboratively with one another and other physicians to support the care of people with a diagnosis of diabetes or pre-diabetes.”